Friday, October 22, 2010

The Smiths. The 15 Best Songs

Last week I posted my The 15 Best Songs of Morrissey, so now it's time for the Top 15 by The Smiths. Over the last several days I've been listening to all of the albums, narrowing it down from a long list - not an easy task! There are so many great songs, so I'm sure if I did this again in a month it would be different. These two lists were inspired by the book I'm reading - Mozipedia. It's an encyclopedia of everything involving Morrissey.

If you'd like to have a listen to the songs on this list, scroll to the bottom for a Spotify playlist.

15. What Difference Does it Make?Released as single; appeared on the album The Smiths (1984)Although it was one of the highest charting songs of The Smiths' career, Morrissey once said that the version released on their debut album was 'absolutely awful.'14. Death of a Disco DancerFrom the album Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)Morrissey's only instrumental performance on any records by The Smiths. During the overdubbing sessions, he sat down at the piano and played some random notes that you can hear in the second half of the song.13. Girlfriend in a ComaReleased as single; appeared on the album Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)Like all of the other songs from their final album, 'Girlfriend in a Coma' was never played live. By the time the single and album were released, the band was already over.

12. That Joke Isn't Funny AnymoreReleased as single; appeared on the album Meat is Murder (1985)One of only 2 Smiths singles that never cracked the UK Top 40.11. Well I WonderReleased as b-side to How Soon is Now? single; appeared on the album Meat is Murder (1985)The only song from the first 3 albums to never have been performed live by The Smiths.10. There is a Light that Never Goes OutReleased as single (1992); appeared on the album The Queen is Dead (1986)One summer evening in 1985, Morrissey stopped by Johnny Marr's house to work on some new material. That single evening produced the following songs: 'Frankly, Mr. Shankly,' 'I Know it's Over' and 'There is a Light that Never Goes Out.' Amazing.

09. AsleepReleased as b-side to The Boy with the Thorn in His Side single (1985); and on the compilation Louder than Bombs (1987)Recorded in just 2 hours. It was performed live only once - October 1, 1985 in Scotland.08. Please Please Please Let Me Get What I WantReleased as b-side to William, It was Really Nothing single (1984); and on the compilations Hatful of Hollow (1984) and Louder than Bombs (1987).The shortest track in The Smiths catalog at approximately 1 minute and 50 seconds. Although it was a B-side, it is one of their most featured songs on film soundtracks, appearing in Pretty in Pink, Ferris Beuller's Day Off, (500) Days of Summer, etc.07. Back to the Old HouseReleased as b-side to What Difference Does it Make? single (1984)The BBC version features Morrissey and Marr acoustic. It appears on the compilation Hatful of Hollow (1984), while the full band take is on Louder than Bombs (1987).

06. Meat is MurderFrom the album Meat is Murder (1985)Once during the Meat is Murder Tour, Morrissey was hit in the face by a string of sausages. Also, the animal sounds on the beginning of this track were taken from one of Mozz's BBC sound effects records.05. Last Night I Dreamt that Somebody Loved MeReleased as single; appeared on the album Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)The two minute piano intro was originally intended to be a completely different song.04. The Queen is DeadFrom the album The Queen is Dead (1986)Mike Joyce's tribal drum intro was created from a sampled loop of his playing. It was added after all of the backing tracks were already put down to tape.

03. Reel Around the FountainFrom the album The Smiths (1984)The opening track off from the first album. The beautiful piano parts, which are especially prominent in the 'bridge' section, are performed by Paul Carrack, who was a member of Squeeze, Roxy Music and Mike and The Mechanics.02. I Know it's OverFrom the album The Queen is Dead (1986)The epic third track from The Queen is Dead.01. Suffer Little ChildrenFrom the album The Smiths (1984)The lyrics to 'Suffer Little Children' are among Morrissey's earliest, written before his partnership with Johnny Marr began - it was the second song that they completed together back in the summer of 1982. It was performed live at their very first gig at Manchester Ritz on October 4, 1982 and was NEVER performed in concert again by The Smiths.

6 comments:

1. The Queen Is Dead2. I Know It's Over3. Half A Person4. Panic5. Shoplifters Of The World Unite And Take Over6. Oscillate Wildly7. How Soon Is Now8. That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore9. Barbarism Begins At Home10. Bigmouth Strikes Again11. Girlfriend In A Coma12. Rush And A Push And The Land Is Ours13. I Started Something That I Couldn't Finish14. Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me15. Death Of A Disco Dancer

Ok Brett, I found this site because someone listed the Pixies post on facebook, but you've now touched upon my favorite 3 bands ever (The Cure, The Smiths and the Pixies). You have great taste in music!

Here's my favorite 5 Smiths songs:

Cemetery Gates (I'd probably call this #1 if pressed to make a decision)I Know it's OverWhat She SaidRubber RingStill Ill

Hey ChrisB! Thank you very much. I love doing these 'Best of Lists,' so I can compare notes with other music fans. Of course, I love all 5 of the tracks you've listed there. Thanks for visiting my site! - Bret

Wow. Just re-read my picks on this list. I can't believe that 'The Boy With The Thorn In His Side' was not on it. :) I'll never forget hearing The Queen Is Dead on tape all those years ago. Just listened to it on my way to a performance last week. Classic.